Carl Rex Willden

Carl Rex Willden, age 77, passed away on June 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Delta, Utah after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was born on May 3, 1949 in Delta, the youngest of the 6 children of George Albert “Al” and Melba “Bea” McClellan Willden. He grew up in Delta and graduated from Delta High School. During his sophomore year, he went to work with his dad at the Florspar mine in order to earn enough money to buy his own car. Near the end of his junior year, he acquired his cherished yellow Pontiac GTO. Later on, he would regale his family with many stories of escaping from the local sheriffs when he was spotted driving too fast in it.

After graduating, he attended Southern Utah State College in Cedar City. But he made many drives back to Delta when his attention was captured by the charms of Nila Neilsen, who was finishing up her senior year. Carl and Nila were married on July 4, 1969 in Las Vegas, Nevada. To support his new family, Carl went back to work at the Florspar mine. When the mine slowed down, he got into construction, and his construction skills got him hired into the building of IPP. He would eventually be promoted to EMT and Fire Systems Specialist. He spent many years as dedicated employee and made many friends among his coworkers.

Carl loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, and later, golfing with his buddies. He had two hole-in-ones (but he was picking up his tee instead of watching the second one). He spent a lot of time camping, riding 4-wheelers, and going to the West Desert to explore and harvest pine nuts. Above all, Carl loved his family. He adored and supported his three daughters, but was also very excited when he was finally able to start doing activities with his grandsons. Carl also deeply enjoyed time with his dogs. Carl was a special man and will be deeply missed.

Carl is survived by his wife: Nila; daughters: Britt (Mike) Stillman, Nikki Avery, Cassie Heap; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter; sister: Bonnie Carter. He is preceded in death by brothers: Nye and Darrell Willden; and sisters: Gloria Martin and Clarene Forster.

Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, June 17, at 11:00 AM, at the Delta City Cemetery. Viewings will be held at the Nickle Mortuary on Tuesday evening, 6:30-8:00 PM; and Wednesday, 9:30-10:40 AM, before traveling to the cemetery. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. The link will be posted with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com after the conclusion of the service.